Nintendo Switch Games Pawn Value Guide (Jan 2026) | Loose vs. CIB Prices

Unlike PlayStation or Xbox discs which plummet in value months after release, Nintendo Switch cartridges are like gold bars. A copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bought in 2017 is often worth nearly the same amount today.

Pawnability Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Switch games are Liquid Gold. They are the safest item to pawn because they never depreciate.

This anomaly makes Switch games excellent items to pawn, especially if you also own the Nintendo Switch Console to go with them. Pawn brokers love them because they sell fast, take up zero shelf space, and hold price stability.

The “Nintendo Tax” Works in Your Favor

In the gaming world, the “Nintendo Tax” usually refers to games never going on sale. But when you’re the seller, this is your best friend.

A 5-year-old PS5 game might pawn for $2. A 5-year-old Switch game like Breath of the Wild routinely pawns for $20–$25.

Top 20 Switch Games Price List (Q1 2026)

Below is the typical cash offer range you can expect at a pawn shop (not trade-in credit).

Key Takeaways

1. First Party is King: If it has “Mario”, “Zelda”, or “Pokemon” in the title, it’s worth $15+ cash.
2. Sports Games are Worthless: Don’t expect more than a dollar for last year’s NBA 2K.
3. Loose vs. CIB: Unlike retro games, modern pawn shops don’t penalize “loose” Switch games too heavily, but having the case makes the transaction smoother.

Loose Cartridges vs. Original Cases

Should you spend time looking for the cases?

• GameStop/Retailers: Generally do not pay extra for the case. They have generic cases ready.
• Pawn Shops: DO prefer the case. It creates a “displayable” product. A loose cartridge sits in a drawer; a cased game sits on a shelf.
  • Guidance: If you have the case, bring it. If not, put the cartridges in valid plastic holders or a Ziploc bag. Do not bring them loose in your pocket (lint ruins contacts).

Identifying “Fake” Cartridges

Yes, fake Switch games exist, though they are rare compared to DS games. Pawn shops will lick—just kidding, they will test the game.

Common red flags they look for:

1. Label quality: Blurry text or incorrect colors.
2. Back contacts: The golden strips on the back should look pristine.
3. PCB color: Looking into the bottom slot, the board should be green.

Negotiation Script: Getting $5 More

Since games are low-value items individually, you negotiate on the stack.

• Don’t: “Can you give me $22 instead of $20 for Mario?” (Too petty).
• Do: “You offered $80 for the stack. Since Zelda and Smash Bros are guaranteed quick sellers, can we round it to $100 cash right now?”

Start with a stack, get a quote, then ask to “round up” for the convenience of a quick deal.

Conclusion

Pawning Switch games is one of the easiest ways to get quick cash ($20–$100) without loaning a big item like a console or TV. They are low-risk for you (easy to redeem) and high-demand for the shop.

Check your drawer, grab those Mario cartridges, and head to the shop. Just leave the sports games at home.

*Disclaimer: Our ranges are informational and based on public data and our processing. They do not guarantee offers from any individual pawn shop.*